Supply Chain Research

Discount fashion retailer Primark – owned by Associated British Foods – plans to expand the sourcing for its U.S. operations to include imports from central America, including Mexico. Aside from reducing transport costs the move should also reduce regulatory risks. Panjiva’s data shows 50.7% of U.S. seaborne imports associated with Primark were sourced from China in the 12 months to Aug. 31, leaving it exposed to new tariffs. Apparel exports from Mexico are only a small part of U.S. imports at 3.9% of the total in the 12 months to Jul. 31 after slipping 6.2% year over year. Mexican appar...